ASX-listed print-on-demand and e-commerce marketplace Redbubble will open its first European office in Berlin early next year as it steps up its expansion into the region.
"The company’s office in Berlin will provide support to independent artists and customers and drive regional marketing," COO Barry Newstead told investors in a statement.
The company has appointed Sandra Yonter as European director of new market development. "Sandra brings extensive global experience and will oversee Redbubble’s office in Berlin. Her priorities are to grow the European business by building awareness and adoption of Redbubble among European artists and consumers."
The company will hire about 20 staff for the Berlin office and has also added foreign language websites.
“The launch of German, French, and Spanish sites mark a milestone in our company’s continued focus on international growth," said Newstead.
Redbubble, started ten years ago by three friends in Melbourne, listed on the ASX in May and projected its revenue would grow to $114.5 million this financial year.
The online creative marketplace sells designs by independent artists printed on a range of products including clothing, home decor, stationery and phone cases.
"We see Europe as being a significant market," Newstead told The Australian Financial Review. "Europe is the single biggest market there is and we think our products are as interesting to European customers as US customers."
The US market currently makes up about 65% of the company's sales, with European sales accounting for 27%.